Unveil Hunter Henry’s Fantasy Fate: Week 17 Outlook, Injury Status, and Expert Advice

Injury Update and Recovery Timeline

Hunter Henry, the New England Patriots’ veteran tight end, suffered a knee injury in the team’s Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury occurred in the second half, and Henry was ruled out of the game shortly thereafter. Initial reports suggested a potential ligament tear, but subsequent MRI results were more encouraging. Henry is expected to miss Week 17’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins but could potentially return for the playoffs, depending on the severity of the injury and his recovery progress.

Fantasy Outlook for Week 17

In light of Henry’s injury, fantasy owners are now left with a critical decision regarding his Week 17 status. Henry has been a key contributor to the Patriots’ offense this season, averaging 6.5 targets and 56.2 receiving yards per game. His absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s passing attack, and it also leaves a substantial void in fantasy lineups.

For those considering starting Henry in Week 17, the risk of reinjury is a major concern. The tight end has a history of knee problems, and rushing him back too soon could exacerbate the issue. Additionally, the Patriots’ offense has struggled with consistency throughout the season, and Henry’s presence alone does not guarantee a significant fantasy output. Moreover, the Dolphins’ defense has been relatively stout against tight ends, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the position in 2022.

Expert Consensus and Alternative Options

Fantasy experts are largely advising against starting Henry in Week 17. FantasyPros’ consensus ranking has Henry as the TE26 for the week, with some analysts recommending that owners bench him altogether. “Henry’s injury is a significant concern, and his absence will hurt the Patriots’ passing game,” said CBS Sports’ Dave Richard. “I’d strongly recommend finding a replacement for him in Week 17.”

Several alternative tight end options are available on the waiver wire for those seeking a replacement for Henry. Some of the most intriguing options include:

• Tyler Conklin, New York Jets: Conklin has been a solid pass-catching option for the Jets, averaging 6.4 targets and 44.8 receiving yards per game. He has a favorable matchup in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
• Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars: Engram has emerged as a reliable target for Trevor Lawrence, averaging 5.3 targets and 47.6 receiving yards per game over the past four weeks. The Jaguars face a Houston Texans defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
• Hayden Hurst, Cincinnati Bengals: Hurst has been a consistent contributor in the Bengals’ offense, averaging 4.4 targets and 39.7 receiving yards per game. He faces a Baltimore Ravens defense that has struggled against tight ends, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to the position.

Conclusion

Hunter Henry’s injury is a significant setback for the New England Patriots and fantasy owners alike. While the severity of the injury remains unclear, it is unlikely that he will play in Week 17. Fantasy owners should consider benching Henry and exploring alternative tight end options on the waiver wire. Players like Tyler Conklin, Evan Engram, and Hayden Hurst offer intriguing upside and favorable matchups in Week 17.

The broader implications of Henry’s absence extend beyond his individual fantasy value. The Patriots’ offense has relied heavily on Henry’s pass-catching ability this season, and his absence could impact the production of other players, particularly wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots adjust their offensive scheme without Henry and whether they can overcome his loss in the playoffs.